Punishment Of Luxury

DISCLAIMER: THIS IS A FAN SITE ONLY!



PUNILUX was a stunningly creative band; criminally underrated, and inexcusably overlooked. But for a little luck, a supportive record label, and maybe a touch of mojo, they would have been huge. The material they produced is amazing, but to be fully appreciated, the music demands your full attention! Here's your chance to hear a few selections from their stellar, but long out of print album, LAUGHING ACADEMY (lovingly digitized from my precious vinyl). I will change the song list from time to time, adding cuts from REVOLUTION BY NUMBERS and GIGANTIC DAYS, which *are* available, so BUY THEM. If anybody has any songs to share, PLEASE get in touch. If you like the music, tell your friends. If enough people want the music, it will again be made available!
STARTING LIFE in December 1976 in the north-east of England, Punishment Of Luxury soon attracted a large following with their theatrical live performances. A single, the classic 'Puppet Life' was released on Small Wonder in June 1978. The success of the single, a punishing tour schedule and increasing media interest soon had several major labels chasing them.
In 1979 they signed to United Artists and released the 'Jellyfish'/'Engine Of Excess', single. 1980 saw the release of the 'Secrets'/'Brain Bomb' single and the seminal album 'Laughing Academy'. All received critical acclaim and sold well. An extensive European tour followed and then United Artists sent the band back to the studio to record another album.
In the meantime United Artists had been taken over by EMI who saw the future of music as the Cockney Rejects and Vice Squad. Unsurprisingly, in 1980 Punishment Of Luxury didn't fit into their plans and were dropped. Overground Records issued these recordings last year, titled 'Revolution By Numbers' (Over 66CD) to great critical acclaim.
In 1981, Punishment Of Luxury re-entered the studio and recorded various sessions for a concept album titled 'Gigantic Days'. Upon completion Punishment Of Luxury toured the new recordings and offered the album to various labels. However, as the line-up changed and a contract was negotiated with Red Rhino these recordings were overlooked in favour of the newer recordings that would become the 'Seven' album.